Nielsen named interim provost

Dr. Larry A. Nielsen, dean of the College of Natural Resources, has been named interim provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at the university, effective Jan. 1.

Nielsen

“Dean Nielsen is a well-known and respected leader on and off campus,” said current provost and chancellor-designate Dr. James L. Oblinger, who announced the decision. “He understands NC State’s land-grant mission, and our university’s commitment to students and to the state. It is important to have someone of his caliber to fill this position while we conduct a national search for our new provost.”

Nielsen will serve as the university’s chief academic officer until a permanent provost is appointed. He will not be a candidate for the position. Dr. J.B. Jett, associate dean for research and extension, will serve as acting dean of the College of Natural Resources during the transition.

An expert on sustainable resource management and natural resource education, Nielsen has served as an NC State dean since August 2001. He also serves as the chairman of the Campus Environmental Sustainability Team, a group of faculty, staff and students who develop strategic sustainability plans for the university.

Prior to his arrival at NC State, Nielsen served as director of the Penn State School of Forest Resources for seven years. From 1977 to 1994, he was a faculty member at Virginia Tech, serving the last five years as head of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences.

Nielsen earned his doctoral degree in fisheries biology from Cornell University in 1978, and his master’s degree in the same discipline from the University of Missouri in 1974. His 1970 undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois was in honors biology. He is a certified fisheries scientist, a fellow of the American Institute of Natural Fisheries Biologists and honorary member of the American Fisheries Society.

Oblinger also announced the provost nomination committee:

• Charles D. Leffler, chair, vice chancellor for finance and business
• Nina S. Allen, chair elect, Faculty Senate, professor of botany
• Keith R. Beck, professor and head of textile engineering, chemistry and science
• Bruce C. Branson, associate professor of accounting
• Allen L. Cannedy, clinical assistant professor of farm animal health and resource management
• A. Tony Caravano, student body president
• Dennis M. Daley, chair of the faculty, professor of political science and public administration
• Meredith J. Davis, professor of graphic design
• Michael A. Davis, assistant vice chancellor for university extension
• Carol K. Hall, Alcoa Professor of Chemical Engineering
• William C. Kimler, associate professor of history
• Laura D. Massengill, chair, Staff Senate
• Jose A. Picart, vice provost for diversity and african american affairs
• V. Kerry Smith, University Distinguished Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics
• Daniel L. Solomon, dean, College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences
• Samuel S. Snyder, associate dean for research and graduate studies, College of Education
• J. Doug Wellman, professor and head of parks, recreation and tourism management
  

Posted October 28, 2004

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